Quick Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

I rely on this Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts recipe whenever I need a sophisticated appetizer that comes together with minimal stress.

The contrast between the buttery, crisp pastry and the creamy, tangy cheese is honestly hard to beat. You can prepare most of the components ahead of time, which makes hosting a gathering much more enjoyable.

What Makes These Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts So Special

I appreciate how this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something that looks like it came from a bakery. The savory sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the rich tang of the cheese for a balanced bite.

You really do not need any advanced pastry skills to get impressive results here. Using store-bought puff pastry saves so much time while still delivering that irresistible golden flake.

These tarts are wonderfully versatile since they taste fantastic whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature. I often make a double batch during the holidays because they tend to disappear from the serving platter immediately.

If you are looking for a cozy lunch idea, try serving these alongside my Quick Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe for a complete meal. For another fun finger food option, the Irresistible Zucchini Tater Tots Recipe is always a crowd favorite.

Everything You Need for Perfect Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts

Here is the shopping list you will need to grab:

• Puff Pastry: A frozen sheet that has been thawed in the refrigerator.
• Onions: Yellow or white onions work best for creating that deep, sweet flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions slowly until they are soft and jammy.
• Goat Cheese: A log of plain goat cheese creates the best creamy texture.
• Egg: Whisked for brushing the pastry edges to get a golden shine.
• Balsamic Reduction: A thick, syrupy glaze that adds a final touch of acidity and sweetness.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished tarts.
• Sea Salt: To season the onions as they cook.

My Method for Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts

Let’s get cooking:

1. Begin by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and adding the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring often, for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are very soft, jammy, and a deep golden brown color. Be patient during this step, as rushing the onions can cause them to burn rather than caramelize properly.
2. While the onions are cooling slightly, unroll your cold puff pastry onto a clean work surface. Cut the sheet into 12 equal squares and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each one. Use a pastry brush to coat the edges of each square with the beaten egg wash, which will help them puff up and turn beautiful and golden.
3. Place a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture into the center of each pastry square, leaving the egg-washed borders clear. Bake the tarts in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed high and the edges are a rich golden brown.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately crumble the fresh goat cheese over the hot tarts. Finish each one with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving them warm or at room temperature.

My Best Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts

The secret to great Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts is cooking the onions slowly over medium-low heat. If they start to stick or brown too quickly, I add a tiny splash of water to the pan to help release the fond.

Make sure your puff pastry stays cold until the very moment you are ready to assemble and bake. If the dough gets too warm on the counter, the butter layers will melt prematurely and you won’t get that signature rise.

I find that using a balsamic glaze or reduction is much better than standard balsamic vinegar. The thicker consistency sits perfectly on top of the Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts without making the pastry soggy.

How I Like to Serve These Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts

These little bites are stunning when arranged on a rustic wooden board with extra sprigs of herbs. I love offering them as a starter before a heavy holiday meal since they are light yet satisfying.

You can also turn this appetizer into a light lunch by serving two or three tarts with a simple arugula salad. The peppery greens dress with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of the Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts beautifully.

For more easy and inspiring recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 55 min
• Yield: 12 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savory caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts made with flaky puff pastry and finished with a balsamic glaze.

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Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• 2 Onions peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 Sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• Balsamic reduction for drizzling
• 1 egg (whisked for egg wash)
• 4 oz goat cheese (log form, crumbled)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and very soft.
3. Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the whisked egg wash to encourage browning.
5. Spoon a small amount of the caramelized onions into the center of each square.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately top with crumbled goat cheese.
8. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Ensure the puff pastry is cold when working with it for the best rise.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cooling Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tart
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 52mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts, puff pastry appetizer, vegetarian tart, easy holiday appetizer, goat cheese recipe